I was just gathering up the stuff to paint my frame at a local Paint supply store, Rustoleum rattle cans and a matching quart can to brush on for the easy to get at spots are in the cart. As I'm leaving I see a spray gun kit on sale and got thinking it sure be nice to spray it, I've always wanted one, so back go the rattle cans. Now I have a question about spraying Rustoleum, I'm planning on coating the frame with red oxide primer and then a couple of coats of semi gloss black. I've read where guys use Acetone to thin, the instructions say use mineral spirits. So any opinions on which is best, and how is the best way to tell you have the right viscosity to spray with?
Latest wisdom from another thread is to not use acetone as it hurts the molecules of the paint. Use turpentine or mineral spirits or something else 'oil' based, not something that cuts oil. For a frame that you will never paint again, I suggest something stronger than Rustoleum. I have been playing around with Benjamin Moore Industrial Coating semigloss black and so far I am very impressed.
Another thing, reading through search threads on using Rustoleum there was no clear answer on how long to wait between coats, any thoughts?
When I painted the frame of my coupe in my avatar I sprayed a heavy coat of RO red oxide primer (several passes), let it dry a week, then the black RO top coat, let dry another week. I've found that RO dries slowly, or maybe that was the old RO twenty years ago... YMMV
I use actual enamel reducer, it doesn't take much since rustoleum type enamels like to spray real thick and chunky anyway. In a pinch I'll use thinner but it seems to reduce gloss in the dried coat. Regarding recoat- Either within a couple hours or wait a couple days. In between you get a dried skin with wet paint underneath and if you trap it with another layer expect bad things to happen. Good luck!
Like was mentioned above - I use "enamel reducer" to thin Rustoleum. If you want it real glossy, add some "enamel hardener" to your mix. I suggest you try mixing 4 parts paint to 1 part reducer, then add about an ounce or 2 of hardener to a quart-size mix.
I have painted a few cars with rustoleum and lacquer thinner,(satin colors)dries just fine and last for years without any problems
Hey guys great advice thank you, Bill I'm near Harrow probably a half hour away. Drop me a pm and we can make an arrangement for you to come see the truck, all in pieces though!
I mix enamels 2:1 and then add the hardener which I think would translate to 8:4:1 ratio. But like it was said earlier use automotive reducer for enamel and make sure you have the right temp reducer for the job which would probably be a medium to high speed for your area.
I'm retired from Siemens in Chatham. Now living just outside Comber. Call me on my cell 519-995-3133. Later, B.
Here is the "farm yard " mix method... Actually sold Dupont ( and other brands ) auto paint for decades.. Went to factory training etc... With out fancy mix cups,fancy measuring sticks,etc... use the TEMP apropriate thinner...stir thoroughly...When you have stirred the thinner in completly you will be able to gauge if you have enought thinner ( or not ), or too much by ..how fast the mixed product runs off the stick.. Too little thinner, the paint is stringy and slow off the end of the stick... Too much thinner, the paint runs fast off the stick like water... Correct amount ( for the temp ) the paint forms a little ball as it runs off the stick.. Try it, you will see what i mean.. Stir un thinned paint, see how it falls off the stick. Keep adding thinner, a little at a time... When you get it right ( the little ball forming ) then add some more thinner...You will see the difference right away.. Good luck Dave
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